At Zeebo, we’re fascinated by how expectations shape experiences. A recent study published in eLife highlights something we’ve long believed: when people think a treatment is personalized for them, they experience a stronger placebo effect.
The Study: Personalization Enhances Placebo Effects
Researchers tested this by offering participants a supposed pain-relieving treatment. Half were told it was tailored specifically to them based on a fake genetic and physiological test, while the other half were told it was a general treatment. The result? Those who believed their treatment was personalized reported significantly more pain relief—even though both groups received the same placebo intervention.
What This Means for You
If you’re using Zeebo placebos, this study offers a key insight: the way you introduce a placebo experience matters. Framing it as something designed specifically for you—whether by setting an intention, using a ritual, or creating a meaningful story—can enhance its effects.
At Zeebo, we see placebos as tools to harness the power of your mind-body. By making your placebo experience personal, you can tap deeper into its potential.